Clinically Integrated Network Aims to Lower Cost, Improve Patient Care

Kansas City's leading health systems are joining with independent physicians to transform health care in the region by improving outcomes and lowering cost. More than 1,600 physicians representing the employed medical groups of North Kansas City Hospital, Shawnee Mission Health and The University of Kansas Health System, and independent physicians including the Kansas City Metropolitan Physician Association, have developed Centrus Health Kansas City, a physician-led Clinically Integrated Network (CIN)

CINs recognize the challenge of escalating costs for individuals, employers and the health care industry. Centrus Health Kansas City providers will work collaboratively across the continuum of care to create solutions that improve quality and reduce costs by sharing data, technology and performance benchmarks.

"Centrus Health will initially impact more than 90,000 patients, and that number is growing," said Chris Wilson, Executive Director of Centrus Health. "Whether you're an employer, patient, insurance company, or physician, high-quality care at a lower cost is an important goal. We will collaborate and innovate to deliver high-value care throughout our network."

Centrus Health Kansas City's first initiatives are two new value-based programs, including a partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) on a transformative, commercial Accountable Care Organization (ACO). The partners have demonstrated a shared vision around ensuring Kansas City residents have access to high quality care at more affordable prices. An ACO is a relationship between a payer and a network of doctors and hospitals that share responsibility for providing coordinated care to patients, ultimately improving quality and reducing unnecessary spending.

"Blue KC continually works to improve the health and wellness of members we serve," said Greg Sweat, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Blue KC. "This partnership brings together our highest performing medical homes in a first-of-its-kind physician-led network to improve quality and reduce costs by delivering coordinated, efficient patient care across the Kansas City region. We hope to create unparalleled value for health care consumers and employers in the market by aligning total medical expenses with improved outcomes, enhanced quality and patient experience."

Centrus Health Kansas City also applied for participation in the Medicare Shared Savings Program an ACO designed to improve quality and lower the total cost of care for patients insured under the Medicare program.

About Centrus Health

Centrus Health Kansas City is a clinically integrated, physician-led network, including the employed medical groups of North Kansas City Hospital, Shawnee Mission Health and The University of Kansas Health System, and independent physicians including members of the Kansas City Metropolitan Physician Association. The network seeks to transform health care by improving outcomes at a lower cost. For more information, visit CentrusHealth.com.